Syzmik Unleashed: Farmer’s Markets and Small-Town Feels

What’s more satisfying than a nice, healthy meal? A nice, healthy meal that you’ve personally grown the ingredients for! Running a market garden in a small town isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for Liv, it’s a job that brings her so much joy.

Tell us a bit about yourself including who you are and what you do for work.

My name is Liv I am 27 years old, and I run a market garden in a small town in the Grampians. I essentially grow lots of different veggies and sell them to the local community, including hospitality venues and farmers' markets. It’s a great job watching the tiny seeds I grow become food for people to enjoy!

Why did you get into your field?

I was that person that was really lost after high school, I tried a bunch of different jobs before deciding that I wanted a job outdoors. I ended up studying my Certificate III in horticulture which then led to me securing an apprenticeship in Parks and Gardens. Once I had completed that, I was offered the job at Grampians Food Co growing veggies.

What inspires you and your work?

I think caring about where our food comes from and creating a local, sustainable food source is so important, and that drives me to keep going.

There are some inspirational gardeners out there that I look up to and am always learning from. I think also being inspired by my boss as well. He is so passionate about the market garden and trying to turn a small piece of traditional farmland into something different, sustainable, and beneficial for the community.

What was your first key memory in your profession?

I think the first day of my apprenticeship stands out. I was so excited to pull on my Hi Vis shirt and work boots. I genuinely couldn’t believe I got the job and I spent most of that first day potting up these tiny little cyclamen plugs. I ended up being allowed to take one of the leftover plugs home with me and I still have that plant - it sits on my kitchen bench and it’s a great reminder of how far I have come from that first day.

Have there been any significant events or milestones in your profession?

I think a big shift in my career began when I started my @liv_in_the_garden Instagram page. It has opened so many doors for me. I have been able to connect with so many wonderful people in the industry and I never would have gotten the job without my page - it really changed the path I was on.

Did you always know you wanted to do this?

I had no idea this could be my job. I know that if I met my younger self and said we grow veggies for a living, I wouldn’t believe it! I am so glad I have found myself in the job, but it’s not something I knew I wanted until I found it.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

My days are always different but essentially, I wake up and inhale some coffee before heading to the garden where I start my day by watering anything that needs watering. I do a walkthrough where I can assess how each crop is going and can narrow down tasks for the day. I’ll go through and see what orders need filling, and begin harvesting and washing our veggies.

After lunch, I try and move over to garden maintenance which can range from weeding, sowing seeds, feeding, pest control, putting out compost, pruning, mowing, the list goes on!

I also handle the social media and website side of the business so there are days that I’ll spend taking care of accounts, updating our website, posting on socials, etc.

What is your favourite part about your industry/field?

I love that horticulture is such a diverse field! There are so many vastly different jobs and areas to choose from. I love that it also connects us back to the environment that we live in. We really experience and live through the different seasons.

If there is something you could remove from your job what about it be?

Cold, wet, windy days. It’s so hard to motivate yourself to be outside working in those conditions. I’m glad to have good rainfall, but if I didn’t have to work in it, that would be great!

If you could only have one tool for the rest of your life, what would you pick?

This is a tough question but probably a really great pair of secateurs. Super sharp with a comfortable grip, makes the world of difference!

What's the weirdest thing you've seen on-site?

I have seen some really weird bugs in the garden - things that I don’t even know what they are!

If you went back in time to visit your old self at the beginning of your career, what advice would you tell yourself?

Just to relax a bit. I was so stressed about trying to learn everything all at once but in reality, I think the day-to-day experience over time was the best way to learn.

I’d also remind myself to enjoy each stage of my career because, before you know it, you’re moving onto the next job.

What is your favourite Syzmik garment? How does it serve your job?

It has to be the Outdoor long sleeve work shirt - I live in them over the summer! I hate getting sunburnt so having a good sun protection rating and being so light and ventilated, it’s a must working in the hot summer sun. It also comes in great colours, so I love that too!

What do you like to do out of work?

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love staying active, whether that’s a hike in the Grampians or a Pilates class. I’m a Sydney Swans fan too, so I love going to any games I can!

What's one thing about you that would surprise other people?

In my spare time, I knit little sweaters for baby lambs that need to be taken care of.

What's your favourite sitcom?

This changes a bit, but I really love Schitts Creek and The Office.

What are you ordering at the pub?

I do love a good Parma and chips!

What is one phrase your team say on-site that no one else would understand?

Wow that compost smells amazing!

Your boss finally gives you Saturday off, what are you doing?

Sleeping in, then hitting my local café for coffee and breakfast before wandering through nurseries or Bunnings just for the joy of it.

Liv is a perfect example of “hard work pays off”, to take a peek at Liv’s veggie garden, head over to Instagram and give her a follow to stay up to date with her latest garden adventures.